Lab.Oratory is Berlin’s famous gay cruise club under the Berghain power station. It is men-only. The mood is confident, coded, and friendly when you know the basics.
Expect low light, firm rules, and a clear focus. Door staff check dress codes by night. Themes rotate: rubber, sports, jock, naked, or mixed fetish. Read the calendar before you go. No photos. No phones on the floor. Cloakroom is mandatory.
Inside, it is a network of rooms, bars, and play spaces. There are darker corners and brighter spots for a breather. Music is functional and bass-heavy. Think warehouse, not cabaret. Hygiene stations and staff keep things tidy.
Peak time starts late. Many arrive after midnight, especially on Fridays and Saturdays. Queues happen. Bring patience and a simple outfit that matches the code. Cash helps for quick service, though cards are common around town.
Consent is the rule. A nod works better than a speech. If you are new, take one lap to read the room. Let the space set the pace.
Location is near Ostbahnhof in Friedrichshain. Night buses and late trains make it workable. Taxis are easy after close. Plan your exit, hydrate, and keep a spare T-shirt for the ride home.
Lab.Oratory
“Dark, direct, and very Berlin — fetish nights with rules that work.”
